Reading boss Alan Pardew is hoping to deliver a knockout blow to Walsall in tomorrow's FA Cup third round clash — after bloodying the noses of the Saddlers earlier in the season.

Reading boss Alan Pardew is hoping to deliver a knockout blow to Walsall in tomorrow's FA Cup third round clash — after bloodying the noses of the Saddlers earlier in the season.

Royals' quest for FA Cup glory begins at the Bescot Stadium (3pm) and Pardew's men will go there high on confidence after an Andy Hughes double secured a 2-0 League win in August last year.

The boss admitted: "It will be like a boxing match. We have bloodied their nose already after winning up there and they will be wary of us. Our result up there will make a little difference and I'm also encouraged with the way we played against Leicester.

"It looks like they are going to be a Premiership team next season and it just shows we're not too far away."

While Pardew has guided Reading from the foot of the Second Division table to the brink of the Premiership, he has not enjoyed so much luck in cup competitions.

For the last two years Royals have crashed out of the FA Cup at the hands of York City in the second round and before that they went out in the third round at Plymouth Argyle.

But Pardew is confident this year will be different without the pressure of having to secure promotion.

And he is hoping any potential Cup run can give him the chance to move in the transfer market.

Victory over Walsall will rake in £50,000.

Royals' boss said: "We never want to lose any game but this is the first year where we are not just having to focus on promotion and that will help.

"As it turns out we've got another chance of promotion this year, but there is not as much emphasis this time. We could do with a run as they are money spinners with the TV rights. I'm having a board meeting with the chairman next week where I will put a few scenarios to him.

"I don't expect him to change his budget, but maybe we can discuss things.

"We are in a great position and it is a great year to achieve something with the uncertainty surrounding some clubs and I think the chairman is aware of that.

"But the plan is to break even and I can understand that. Football now is changing whereas for the last 40 years everyone has been chasing the dream and spending money but that's changing now and it's strange for football people having to get used to that."

Reading will be without the services of Anthony Rougier who is serving a one-match ban for accumulating five bookings.

Striker Nicky Forster, though, will be back in contention and is likely to be on the bench after recovering from a hamstring injury.

Experienced winger John Salako could be recalled, while Andy Hughes is also pushing for a starting place.

Academy starlet Darren Campbell will also travel with the squad to gain some experience but he will not feature.

There is a danger, though, the match at the Bescot will be called off as all the rain has left the pitch in poor condition.

Pitch inspection There was also a sprinkling of snow on the surface this morning.

Walsall officials were keeping a close eye on the pitch today and there will almost certainly be an inspection tomorrow morning. Fans are advised to check before departing.

If a replay is necessary it will be held at Madejski Stadium on Tuesday week, January 14, with an 8pm kick-off.

Best odds are Walsall 6-4, Reading 13-8 and 9-4 the draw.

Royals are quoted as 16-1 by bet365.com to be the Division 1 side making the furthest progress in the FA Cup Ipswich are the 9-2 favourites, followed by Norwich and Leicester, both on 13-2.